Teaching
GEO 102A: Climate: Past, Present, and Future
An introduction to the processes and conditions that control Earth's climate; an overview of past climate evolution from the time of Earth's origin to the period of human history; and an investigation of ongoing climate changes and those predicted for the future, including the capacity of human activities to alter climate and the impacts of climate change on environment and society. Intended primarily for students not concentrating in science or engineering. 102A: three lectures per week (2 research papers over the semester)
GEO 364/CHM 364: Earth Chemistry: The Major Realms of the Planet
The chemical composition of the major realms of the planet: core, mantle, continents, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere. Topics include the synthesis of the chemical elements in stars, the origin of the solar system and Earth, and the chemical differentiation of Earth's core, mantle, crust, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere. Also explores the global cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other biologically important elements, their interactions with the geosphere, and their evolution through time
GEO 535 Biogeochemical Cycles and Earth History -
Isotope Geochemistry of the Biologically Important Elements
Examines the evidence for changes in the cycles of biologically important elements (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, etc.) over Earth history. Topics will include the development and evolution of the biogeochemical cycles, their significance for the geologic and fossil records, and biogeochemical change during the last ice age. Overview lectures by the instructor and student presentations based on readings from the scientific literature and/or ongoing research.
GEO 703 Stable Isotope Geochemistry of Biologically Important Elements
Reading course
GEO 506 Fundamentals of the Geosciences II
A survey of fundamental papers in the Geosciences. Topics include present and future climate, biogeochemical processes in the ocean, geochemical cycles, orogenies, thermochronology, rock fracture and seismicity. This is the second of two core geosciences graduate courses.
GEO 503 Responsible Conduct of Research in Geosciences
Course educates Geosciences and AOS students in the responsible conduct of research using case studies appropriate to these disciplines. This discussion-based course focuses on issues related to the use of scientific data, publication practices and responsible authorship, peer review, research misconduct, conflicts of interest, the role of mentors & mentees, issues encountered in collaborative research and the role of scientists in society. Successful completion is based on attendance, reading, and active participation in class discussions. Course satisfies University requirement for RCR training.